RESOURCES FOR BEGINNERS

There is an enormous number of web pages, not to mention books and magazines, dedicated to the model railroad hobby. So much information is available that it can be confusing and distracting. Help is at hand below!

THE NMRA has put together an excellent introduction for beginners and a set of articles that guides you through the decision-making process, to the point of building your first layout. You can find this material by CLICKING HERE.

THE WORLD’S GREATEST HOBBY, a campaign to promote the hobby sponsored by some of the leading manufacturers, has a beginner’s booklet that you can download, and an excellent series of on-line how-to videos. CLICK HERE TO BE TAKEN TO THESE RESOURCES.

 MORE SOURCES

• Hobby Shops – preferably those that specialize in model trains and scale model supplies. The folks behind the counter are probably model railroaders themselves and can give you good advice. (See “Hobby Shops” page for listing of some in the WOD area)
• MAGAZINES – Subscribe to the NMRA Magazine or one of the magazines that you can find on hobby shop and book store racks.
• TRAIN SHOWS – Talk to WOD or Clubs at local train shows (see our events page)
•  JOIN A CLUB – Many modular club layouts can be seen at Train Shows. Talk to the members.